Method and system for controlling messages printed by an in-store label printer and related label structure

ABSTRACT

A method for selectively printing different messages on labels printed by an in-store scale involves providing an in-store scale including a label printing mechanism with a supply of labels and a communications link for receiving information from a site external to the store. The scale label printing mechanism is configured in a first state and, during the first state, simultaneous printing of two types of information on a first label takes place. In particular, both (i) product information for a specified product to which the first label will be applied and (ii) a first message pertaining to a product which is different than the specified product to which the first label will be applied, are printed on the first label. The in-store scale receives a message control signal via the communications link which configures the scale label printing mechanism in a second state. During the second state, simultaneous printing of two types of information on a second label takes place. In particular, both (i) product information for a specified product to which the second label will be applied and (ii) a second message, different than the first message, and also pertaining to a product which is different than the specified product to which the second label will be applied, are printed on the second label.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to in-store printermechanisms utilized for printing labels applied to products and to labelstructures utilized by such printer mechanisms, and more particularly,to a method and system for controlling messages printed on labels by anin-store scale for increasing marketing and promotional opportunities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The perishable foods sections of most supermarkets and grocerystores such as the meat department, bakery, deli and produce department,typically include one or more in-store printers for printing labels withitem name, weight or count, and price information. The labels are thenapplied to the packaged items. Many such printers are provided as partof in-store scales or systems including scales. FIG. 9A represents afront surface view of a typical pre-printed label 200 which may beutilized in the scale. The label 200 is often times pre-printed withstore-specific information such as the store name and/or logo in apredetermined portion 202 of the label and a remaining portion 204 ofthe label is left blank to permit the scale printer to print productname, weight, price information, and product bar code in such space.FIG. 9B represents a front surface view of another label 210 which hasbeen used in the past and which is pre-printed with store-specificinformation such as the store name and/or logo in a predeterminedportion 212 and is also pre-printed in label portion 214 with anadvertisement message/logo which may relate to any other product sold inthe store. Remaining portion 216 is left blank to permit the scaleprinter to print product name, weight, price information, and productbar code in such space. The problem with the pre-printed advertisementis that it is permanent and cannot be adjusted at the store.

[0003] Increasingly, in-store equipment such as scales/scale systems mayinclude a communications link for receiving information externally ofthe store. As used herein the term scale system refers to any scaledevice or any larger device which includes a scale, such as a weigh/wrapmachine. For example, prior art scale systems exist in which pricinginformation in the goods database is updated remotely from a centrallocation so that all related stores in a chain use the same pricingscheme. Chain personnel can also use communications links with in-storescale systems to monitor scale status/function. Still further, prior artin-store scale systems exist which are capable of printing two labels,one which includes the product and price information and another whichprints a marketing message. An example of such a prior art system isillustrated in FIG. 10 where a store 300 is shown and external site 302is shown. A scale system 304 including a controller 306 and associatedprinter 308 is located in the store 302, along with a second printer 310which is connected to controller 306 for control thereby. The controller306 is also connected via communications link 312 to a computer 314 atexternal site 302. In the illustrated system, computer 314 has been usedto control pricing information used by scale 304 for printing on a firstlabel by printer 308, and to also control merchandising messages printedon a second, separate label by printer 310, where the pricinginformation printed by printer 308 and the merchandising informationprinted by printer 310 related to the same product. Examples ofmerchandising messages printed on the second label by printer 310include “Great For The Grill” or “100% Pure Ground Beef” or “50¢ Off”.Such prior art systems have also been used to print similarmerchandising messages, regarding the product to which a pricing labelis applied, on the pricing label itself.

[0004] Product manufacturers, distributors, advertisers and storeoperators are continually looking for new and improved ways to marketand advertise products within the store. Accordingly, given the numberof labels printed on a daily basis by such scales, and the fact that thepackages containing such labels are typically placed directly in frontof consumers or into the consumer's hands, it would be desirable toutilize such scales to deliver marketing and promotional messages fornumerous products in a controlled manner.

[0005] In the label printing field it is also known to provide couponson labels which are applied to products. For example, U.S. Pat. No.5,578,797 provides a label structure which includes both a product barcode and a coupon bar code on a front surface of the label. The couponportion of the label is designed to be torn off by the customer.However, some customers may not tear off the coupon. In such cases, thislabel structure can be problematic because checkout scanners can beconfused by the presence of two bar codes on the label. Accordingly, itwould also be desirable to provide a label structure which providescoupon capability while overcoming the aforementioned problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, a method for selectivelyprinting different messages on labels printed by an in-store scaleinvolves providing an in-store scale including a label printingmechanism with a supply of labels and a communications link forreceiving information from a site external to the store. The scale labelprinting mechanism is configured in a first state and, during the firststate, simultaneous printing of two types of information on a firstlabel takes place. In particular, both (i) product information for aspecified product to which the first label will be applied and (ii) afirst message pertaining to a product which is different than thespecified product to which the first label will be applied, are printedon the first label. The in-store scale receives a message control signalvia the communications link which configures the scale label printingmechanism in a second state. During the second state, simultaneousprinting of two types of information on a second label takes place. Inparticular, both (i) product information for a specified product towhich the second label will be applied and (ii) a second message,different than the first message, and also pertaining to a product whichis different than the specified product to which the second label willbe applied, are printed on the second label. Thus, the method enablesmessages imprinted on labels to be selectively controlled by partiessuch as the manufacturer or distributor of the predetermined product, oran advertising agency charged with increasing sales of the predeterminedproduct.

[0007] In one variation of the method, the first and second messagesrelate to coupon discount amounts for the predetermined product. Inconnection with this variation, another aspect of the invention providesa label structure including a base paper having front and rear surfaces,at least one pre-printed information region toward the rear surface ofthe base paper. The pre-printed information region is formed by anadhesive layer adjacent the rear surface of the base paper, an adhesivedeadening layer overlaying the adhesive layer in a defined area, and alayer of printed information overlaying at least portions of theadhesive deadening layer. The layer of printed information may include acoupon bar code which can be tied to the coupon discount information tobe printed on the front surface of the label. Because the coupon barcode is provided on the rear surface of the label, it will face inwardagainst a package and will not cause confusion with the product bar codeon the front surface of the label during scanning, in the event thecustomer does not detach the coupon before checkout.

[0008] Still a further aspect of the invention provides a method forcontrolling an in-store label coupon printing system involves providingan in-store label printing mechanism including a controller andassociated memory, and a user input device. A supply of labels is alsoprovided for the in-store printing mechanism, each label including apre-printed coupon bar code on a rear surface portion thereof The userinput device is selectively utilized to establish a coupon message to beprinted on a front surface of the labels by, the in-store printingmechanism. A stored discount amount associated with the coupon bar codeis provided in at least one of an in-store point-of-sale computer systemmemory and a store computer system memory. The stored discount amount isadjusted as needed to coincide with changes made in the coupon messageprinted by the in-store label printing mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a labelprinting system in accordance with the present invention;

[0010]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a scale mechanism including alabel printer;

[0011]FIG. 3 is a flowchart of steps according to one embodiment of amethod of the present invention;

[0012]FIGS. 4A and 4B show front and rear surface views of oneembodiment of a label structure according to the invention;

[0013]FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view along line 5-5 of FIG. 4A;

[0014]FIG. 6 is a side view of a supply roll of labels;

[0015]FIGS. 7A and 7B show front and rear surface views of a printedlabel;

[0016]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a labeled package assembly;

[0017]FIGS. 9A and 9B show front and rear surface views of prior artlabels; and

[0018]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a prior art system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Referring to drawing FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of a system 10useful in carrying out the present invention includes a store 12, acommunications path 14, and a retail headquarters, product manufacturer,distributor or advertising agency location 15. The store includes scalesystem 16 which is connected to the communications path 14 viacommunications link 18 for receiving externally generated messages, suchas those generated by a computer 20 at location 15. The store 12 alsoincludes a store computer system 22 which may be used for tracking andmaintaining inventory and a point-of-sale (POS) computer system 24 whichis utilized for customer checkout and typically includes a plurality ofbar code scanners. Communications link 26 between the scale system 16and POS system 24 may be provided and communications link 28 between thestore computer system 22 and scale system 16 may also be provided. Whilethe use of communications link 18 to enable the scale to receiveexternal messages is preferred, it is recognized that the scale couldreceive such externally generated messages via indirect links such as acommunications link comprised of link 30, store computer system 22 andlink 28. Links 18, 26, 28 and 30 are preferably hard-wired links such astypical telephone line or coax links, but it is recognized that wirelesslinks could also be utilized. Communications path 14 may preferably bean Internet link but might also be a dedicated type link. In either casethe path may be formed by any one of hard-wired, fiber-optic or wirelesstype arrangements, and combinations of the same.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the scale system 16 includes a controller 40with an associated communications interface 42. The controller 40typically includes associated memory for storing firmware, software anddata as needed. At least one load cell and associated circuitry 44 areprovided for delivering weight information to the controller 40. Thecontroller 40 is connected for controlling a display 46 such as an LEDor LCD, and also for controlling a printing mechanism portion whichincludes print head 48, label supply 50, and mechanism such as a motordrive (not shown) for moving label stock past the print head 48 along apredefined path 52. A user input device 54 such as a plurality of userinput keys or a touch screen arrangement associated with the display 46enables a user to input information such as the product type and costper pound or product code, as well as other information, to thecontroller 40.

[0021] Scale system 16 may be representative of the typical scale systemutilized in one or more of the perishables departments of a supermarketor grocery store for printing labels which are then applied to products.For example, stand alone scales in the deli department print labelswhich are typically applied to lunch meats, cheeses, side salads and thelike. Such scales can also be utilized in the produce department or meatand fish departments. Weigh/wrap type machines are also commonly used.Regardless of where the scale system is located, the present inventionenables it to be utilized in a new and improved manner for selectivecontrol of messages printed on labels. In particular, referring to theflow chart 60 of FIG. 3, exemplary steps in one embodiment of themessage control method of the present invention are shown. It is assumedat initial step 62 that the in-store scale system 16 including labelprinting mechanism 48, supply of labels 50, and communications link 18for receiving information from a site external to the store isconfigured in a first state. At step 64 a specified product (e.g. lunchmeat) is weighed and price calculated. At step 66 simultaneous printingof two types of information on a first label takes place. In particular,both (i) product information (name and price) for the specified productto which the first label will be applied and (ii) a first messagepertaining to a product (e.g. potato chips) which is different than thespecified product, are printed on the first label. Thereafter, at step68 a stand by for the next weigh and print is indicated. If there is nochange from the first state of the scale system printer then path 70will be followed and the next label will be simultaneously imprintedwith specified product information and the first message. However, ifthere is a change from a first state of the scale printer to a secondstate of the scale system printer, then path 72 will be followed and thenext scale weigh operation will take place at step 74 and at step 76simultaneous printing of two types of information on a second labeltakes place. In particular, both (i) product information (name andprice) for the specified product to which the second label will beapplied and (ii) a second message, different than the first andpertaining to the a product which is different than the specifiedproduct, are printed on the second label. A new standby state 78 is thenshown, with optional paths 80 and 82 according to whether a state changein the scale system printer occurs.

[0022] As used herein, the terminology “simultaneous printing” ofinformation on a label refers to printing which takes place on the labelas it passes by the printhead in a single pass, and encompasses, withoutlimitation, both side-by-side printing of information and printing firstinformation on a first portion of the label as the first portion passesby the print head and, subsequently, printing second information on asecond portion of the label as the second portion of the label passes bythe print head.

[0023] The state change of the scale system printer may be controlled byreceipt by the in-store scale of a message control signal via thecommunications link which configures the scale label printer in a secondstate. In one embodiment the scale 16 includes a stored table ofselectable message options, each including an associated messageindicator as shown in representative Table I below: TABLE I STOREDMESSAGE OPTIONS TABLE Message Indicator Message Option 0000 50 CentsOff - Expires MM/DD/YY 0001 25 Cents Off - Expires MM/DD/YY 0010 10Cents Off - Valid MM/DD/YY - MM/DD/YY 0011 2 For 1 Special - ValidMM/DD/YY - MM/DD/YY 0100 Try New (BRAND) Chips - Now With Less Fat 0101Try (BRAND)'s New Barbecue Style

[0024] In this arrangement, the scale system also includes a memorylocation including a selected message indicator. Thus, in state 1 of theexample described above the stored selected message indicator could be“0000” in which case during the printing operation of step 66 the scalecontroller references stored message options Table I and retrieves the“50 Cents Off—Expires MM/DD/YY” message for printing. The controlmessage received via the communications link to cause the state changewill be another message indicator such as “0010” which in turn isautomatically and immediately overwritten into the selected messageindicator memory location. Thereafter, during the printing operation ofstep 76 the scale controller references stored message options Table Iand retrieves the “10 Cents Off—Valid MM/DD/YY—MM/DD/YY” message forprinting. Alternatively, the control message received via thecommunications link may include a new message indicator and associatedtime or date at which such new message indicator is to be utilized asthe selected message indicator. In such cases the data structure storingthe selected message indicator may also comprise a table such as TableII below: TABLE II SELECTED MESSAGE INDICATORS Start Date SelectedMessage Indicator MM/DD/YY 0000 MM/DD/YY 0010 MM/DD/YY 0100

[0025] In this arrangement the scale system controller is configured toutilize a running time clock to determine when to change the scalesystem printer state and begin using a new message indicator. Thus,externally generated message control signals can be utilized toestablish a future message selection pattern as desired.

[0026] Utilizing the stored message table technique enables the storeowner/operator and the outside entity (product manufacturer, distributoror advertiser) to agree upon permissible messages in advance. However,an alternative embodiment in which the scale system merely stores themessage to be printed for state 1 in memory and in which the messagecontrol signal received by the scale contains the new message forprinting (as opposed to a message indicator) in state 2 is contemplated.Still further, where the stored message table arrangement is utilized,it is possible that the communications link could be utilized to updateor revise the stored message table in memory of the scale. In eitherembodiment, the system and method enables messages printed on labels inthe store to be selectively controlled by parties such as chainpersonnel at retail headquarters, the manufacturer or distributor of thepredetermined product, or an advertising agency charged with increasingsales of the predetermined product.

[0027] It is recognized that Table I is merely representative of onetype of message options table and that others could be utilized. Forexample, an alternative message options table is set forth below asTable III: TABLE III STORED MESSAGE OPTIONS TABLE Message IndicatorMessage Option—Part 1 Message Option—Part 2 0000 50 Cents Off ExpiresMM/DD/YY 0001 25 Cents Off Expires MM/DD/YY 0010 10 Cents Off ValidMM/DD/YY - MM/DD/YY 0011 2 For 1 Special Valid MM/DD/YY - MM/DD/YY 0100Try New (BRAND) Now With Less Fat Chips 0101 (BRAND)'s BarbecuePreferred 2 To 1 Style

[0028] Notably, Table II includes two message option parts which thecontroller can retrieve for printing at different locations on thelabel. It is also contemplated that a three-dimensional message table ormap could be utilized. Such a table could store messages as a functionof message indicator and specified product to which a label is to beapplied, so that the message is varied according to selected messageindicator and the product to which the label is to be applied. Forexample, if steak is purchased a message for one product might beprinted while if hot dogs are purchased a message for another productmight be printed.

[0029] As demonstrated by the last two messages in each of Tables I andIII, the messages which are selected for printing may be non-couponmessages. However, in a preferred arrangement the messages which areselected for printing on labels output by the scale system relate tocoupon discount information for the predetermined product. For example,as indicated in Table I above the message may be an amount off, a 2 for1 type special, or might also be a percent off type coupon discountamount. In this regard, a preferred label structure 90 for use incombination with the message control method is illustrated in front andrear surface views respectively in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Label structure 90includes a front face 92 having a store name/logo 94 pre-printedthereon, a central region 96 defined by a separation line 98 and a lowerregion 100 defined by the edges of the label and separation line 102.Separation lines 98 and 102 may be formed by any known means includingperforation or other weakening of the base paper. The region betweenstore name/logo 94 and the separation line 102 will be used during aprinting operation of the scale system to print name and priceinformation and/or product bar code for the specified product to whichthe label is to be attached. The region below separation line 102 willbe used during a printing operation of the scale system to print themessage information for the predetermined product. In this regard, thelower region may include a pre-printed name and/or design element of thepredetermined product in region 104, with the selectable message thenbeing printed to the right of region 104.

[0030] Where the selectable message is a coupon discount message, thelabel structure rear surface 110 preferably includes a pre-printedcoupon bar code 112 on the lower portion of the label so that when thelower portion of the label is detached, the coupon bar code stays withthe coupon message printed on the front side. On the rear side of theregion defined by separation line 98, other pre-printed information maybe provided such as recipe type information. Where the selectablemessage information is a coupon discount message, a further step is inorder to correlate the change in coupon discount information to thecoupon bar code which will be scanned at check-out by the P.O.S.computer system 24 (FIG. 1). One or both of the P.O.S. computer system24 and the store computer system 22 will include a stored discountamount associated with the coupon bar code 112. When the coupon discountmessage is changed, the stored discount amount associated with bar code112 will also need to be changed at some point in the future. Generally,the stored discount amount associated with bar code 112 will be changedat a time corresponding to both the expiration of the valid period forcoupons having a first coupon message and the beginning of the validperiod for other coupons having a second coupon message. Links 26 and 28facilitate adjustment of the stored discount amount associated with thecoupon bar code 112 as needed. The expiration date of a given coupondiscount is printed on the front of the label (see Tables I and III) toprevent problems with customers attempting to use a coupon after thestored amount has been changed.

[0031] Referring again to FIGS. 4A and 4B, an important distinctionexists between pre-printed information provided on a label andinformation which is printed by the in-store scale system. Inparticular, “pre-printed” information exists on the labels when suppliedto a store and therefore cannot be changed or modified by the storeunless a different label format is chosen/selected or unless an attemptis made to overwrite or black out a pre-printed message on the front ofa label. Referring to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5 the labelstructure 90 is formed by a base paper 114. Toward the front surfaceside of the base paper a layer 116 formed by a thermally sensitivecomposition is first provided and atop the thermal layer 116 a layer orcoating 118 of a sealing composition is provided to prevent loss of thethermal layer 116. Atop the sealing layer 118 an ink-based layer 120 ofpre-printed information is provided in those regions where suchpre-printing is desired. When indicia 122 (e.g. selectable messages) areprinted by the thermal print head of the scale, such messages are formedin the thermal layer 116 but are visible through the clear sealing layer118. Toward the rear side of the base paper 114 a layer 124 of anadhesive composition is provided for securing the label to a productpackage. In those regions where pre-printed information is provided onthe rear surface of the label 90, the adhesive layer 124 is covered byan adhesive deadening layer 126 so that that portion of the label can beremoved from the package easily. The adhesive deadening layer maytypically be formed by a layer of white ink applied over the adhesive.An ink-based layer 128 of pre-printed information (e.g. coupon bar codeor recipe) is then applied over the adhesive deadening layer. Referringto FIG. 6 a representative supply roll 130 of label structures 90 isshown. The supply roll includes a liner 132 having a silicone releaselayer 134 applied thereto such that when the adhesive side of labelstructures 90 is applied to the liner they can be easily removed fordispensing from the scale and application to a product package.

[0032] The manufacturing method for producing such label stock involvesstarting with a wide roll of stock with label material with adhesiveside attached to the release surface base paper. The label material isthen re-applied to the base paper. The label material is then die cut toform individual labels and length cut to form multiple label supplyrolls.

[0033] After printing product information and message information on alabel as described above, the resulting label structure may be thatshown in FIGS. 7A and 7B where front and rear surface portions of aprinted label structure 140 are shown. In particular the front surface142 of printed label structure 140 includes a product bar code 144thereon as printed by the scale print head. The rear surface 146 of thelabel structure includes the pre-printed coupon bar code 148. Thisarrangement eliminates the possibility that the P.O.S. scanners willconfuse the two bar codes during check-out. Because the coupon portionof the label might be removed by the consumer prior to check-out, theproduct bar code 146 on the front surface is preferably positioned at alocation spaced from but proximate to a location of the scannable couponinformation bar code. In this regard, the term “proximate” is used torefer to a location which results in positioning of the product bar code142 toward the same side 150 (FIG. 8) of a product package 152 as thecoupon bar code 148 when the label is applied to the product packageforming a label and package assembly 154.

[0034] Although the invention has been described and illustrated indetail it is to be clearly understood that the same is intended by wayof illustration and example only and is not intended to be taken by wayof limitation.

[0035] For example, while a major advantage of the above-describedmethod provides retailers, product manufacturers, distributors andadvertisers the ability to selective control messages printed on labelsprinted in a store, it is recognized that the user input device 54 maybe used to selectively control messages as well. Thus, a method forcontrolling an in-store label coupon printing system is provided whichinvolves providing an in-store label printing mechanism including acontroller and associated memory, and a user input device, and providinga supply of labels for the in-store printing mechanism, each labelincluding a pre-printed coupon bar code on a rear surface portionthereof. The user input device is selectively utilized to establish acoupon message to be printed on a front surface of the labels by thein-store printing mechanism. A stored discount amount associated withthe coupon bar code is provided in at least one of an in-storepoint-of-sale computer system memory and a store computer system memory.The stored discount amount can be adjusted to coincide with changes madein the coupon message printed by the in-store label printing mechanism.

[0036] Further, while the use of a scale system with an associated printhead is primarily discussed herein, it is recognized that other in-storelabel printing mechanisms could also be used for selective control ofmessages printed on labels.

[0037] Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the invention are to belimited only by the terms of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for selectively printing differentmessages on labels printed by an in-store scale system, the methodcomprising the steps of: (a) providing an in-store scale systemincluding a label printing mechanism with a supply of labels, and acommunications link for receiving information from a site external tothe store; (b) configuring the scale system label printing mechanism ina first state; (c) during the first state, for each label output by thescale system label printing mechanism, simultaneously printing both: (i)at:least one of product name and price information for a product towhich the label will be applied, and (ii) a first message pertaining toa predetermined product which is different than the product to which thelabel will be applied; (d) receiving, by the scale system, a messagecontrol signal via the communications link which configures the scalesystem label printing mechanism in a second state; and (e) during thesecond state, for each label output by the scale system, label printingmechanism, simultaneously printing both: (i) at least one of productname and price information for a product to which the label will beapplied, and (ii) a second message, different than the first message,and also pertaining to the predetermined product which is different thanthe product to which the label will be applied.
 2. The method of claim 1wherein step (a) includes providing at least one of a pre-printed nameand design element of the predetermined product on each label.
 3. Themethod of claim 1 wherein step (a) includes providing a pre-printedscannable coupon bar code on each label, and in steps (c)(ii) and(e)(ii) the first and second messages each comprise at least respectivecoupon discounts for the predetermined product.
 4. The method of claim 3wherein the pre-printed coupon bar code is associated with a storeddiscount amount in at least one of an in-store point-of-sale system anda store computer system, the method comprising the further step of: (f)adjusting the stored discount amount associated with the pre-printedcoupon bar code to correspond to the coupon discount amount printed instep (e)(ii).
 5. The method of claim 3 wherein in steps (c)(ii) and(e)(ii) the first and second messages each further comprise couponvalidity information.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the pre-printedcoupon bar code is associated with a stored discount amount in at leastone of an in-store point-of-sale system and a store computer system, themethod comprising the further step of: (f) adjusting the stored discountamount associated with the pre-printed coupon bar code at a time whichcorresponds to expiration of the first coupon message and beginning of avalidity period of the second coupon message.
 7. The method of claim 3wherein the pre-printed coupon bar code is provided on a non-adhesive,rear surface portion of the labels, and the first and second messagesare printed on an opposed front surface of the labels.
 8. The method ofclaim 1 wherein step (a) includes providing a stored table of messageoptions in memory of the scale system, each message option having anassociated respective message indicator, and in step (d) the messagecontrol signal received via the communications link comprises at leastone message indicator associated with one of the message options storedin memory of the scale system.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein step (a)includes providing the first message at a storage location in memory ofthe scale system, and in step (d) the message control signal receivedvia the communications link comprises at least the second message, themethod including storing the received second message in memory of thescale system.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein in step (d) the messagecontrol signal received via the communications link is sent by one of amanufacturer, distributor and advertiser for the predetermined product.11. The method of claim 10 wherein step (a) includes providing a storedtable of predetermined message options in memory of the scale system,the table associating a particular message indicator with each messageoption, and in step (d) the message control signal received via thecommunications link comprises at least one message indicator associatedwith one of the message options stored in memory of the scale system.12. The method of claim 1 wherein subsequent to steps (c) and (e) theprinted labels are applied to product packages.
 13. The method of claim1 wherein step (d) occurs subsequent to step (c).
 14. An in-store labelprinting arrangement adapted for printing coupon information on labelsto be applied to packages, comprising: an in-store scale systemincluding a print head and a supply of labels movable along a label pathpast the print head for having indicia printed thereon, the labels eachincluding a coupon bar code on its rear surface, a controlleroperatively connected for controlling the print head, memory having atable of message options stored therein, each message option having anassociated respective message indicator; a communications linkassociated with the controller of the scale system for receivinginformation from a site external to the store; wherein in a first scalesystem configuration the controller is operable to effect simultaneousprinting of both (i) product information of a product to which a labelis to be applied and (ii) a first coupon message according to a selectedmessage indicator stored in memory, the first coupon message relating toa product which is different than the product to which the label is tobe applied; wherein the selected message indicator stored in memory ischanged according to a message control signal received via thecommunications link, placing the scale system in a second configuration;and wherein in the second scale system configuration the controller isoperable to effect simultaneous printing of both (i) product informationof a product to which a label is to be applied and (ii) a second couponmessage according to the changed selected message indicator stored inmemory, the second coupon message also relating to a product which isdifferent than the product to which the label is to be applied.
 15. Amethod for in-store advertising by a product manufacturer/distributorutilizing an in-store printing mechanism, the method comprising thesteps of: (a) providing an in-store label printing mechanism including acommunications link for receiving information remotely from the productmanufacturer/distributor; (b) providing a table of predetermined messageoptions stored in memory of the in-store label printing mechanism, thetable associating a particular message indicator with each messageoption; (c) providing a supply of labels each having a pre-printedscannable coupon bar code on a rear surface thereof; (d) printing, withthe in-store label printing mechanism, messages on labels according to aselected message indicator, wherein the messages are printed on a frontsurface of the labels and comprise at least coupon discount amounts andcoupon validity information; (e) sending at least one message controlsignal from the product manufacturer/distributor to the in-store labelprinting mechanism via the communications link, the message controlsignal identifying a new selected message indicator, enabling theproduct manufacturer/distributor to selectively control which of thepredetermined message options is printed on labels by the in-store labelprinting mechanism; and (f) applying the printed labels to productpackages.
 16. A method for controlling an in-store label coupon printingsystem, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an in-storelabel printing mechanism including a controller and associated memory,and a user input device; (b) providing a supply of labels for thein-store printing mechanism, each label including a pre-printed couponbar code on a rear surface portion thereof; (c) selectively utilizingthe user input device to establish a coupon message to be printed on afront surface of the labels by the in-store printing mechanism; (d)providing a stored discount amount associated with the coupon bar codein at least one of an in-store point-of-sale system memory and a storecomputer system memory; and (e) adjusting the stored discount amount tocoincide with changes made in the coupon message printed by the in-storelabel printing mechanism.
 17. A method for selectively printingdifferent messages on labels printed by an in-store scale system, themethod comprising the steps of: (a) providing an in-store scale systemincluding a label printing mechanism with a supply of labels, and acommunications link for receiving information from a site external tothe store; (b) during a first state of the scale system printingmechanism, simultaneously printing on a first-label both: (i) at leastone of product name and price information for a specified product towhich the first label will be applied, and (ii) a first messagepertaining to a product which is different than the product to which thefirst label will be applied; (c) receiving, by the in-store scalesystem, a message control signal via the communications link whichconfigures the scale system label printing mechanism in a second state;and (d) during the second state, simultaneously printing on a secondlabel both: (i) at least one of product name and price information for aproduct to which the second label will be applied, and (ii) a secondmessage, different than the first message, and also pertaining to aproduct which is different than the specified product to which thesecond label will be applied.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein theproduct to which the first message pertains in step (b)(ii) is the sameas the product to which the second message pertains in step (d)(ii). 19.A method for selectively printing different messages on labels output byan in-store printing mechanism, the method comprising the steps of: (a)providing an in-store label printing mechanism with a supply of labels,and a communications link for receiving information from a site externalto the store; (b) simultaneously printing on a first label both: (i) atleast one of product name and price information for a product to whichthe first label will be applied, and (ii) a first message pertaining toa product which is different than the product to which the first labelwill be applied; (c) receiving, by the in-store label printingmechanism, a message control signal via the communications link; and (d)simultaneously printing on a second label both: (i) at least one ofproduct name and price information for a product to which the secondlabel will be applied, and (ii) a second message, different than thefirst message and established by the message control signal of step (c),and also pertaining to a product which is different than the product towhich the second label will be applied.
 20. A method for selectivelyprinting messages on a label output by an in-store printing mechanism,the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an in-store labelprinting mechanism with a supply of labels, and a communications linkfor receiving information from a site external to the store; (b)receiving, by the in-store label printing mechanism, a message controlsignal via the communications link; (c) subsequent to step (b),simultaneously printing on a label both: (i) at least one of productname and price information for a product to which the first label willbe applied, and (ii) a message pertaining to a predetermined productwhich is different than the product to which the first label will beapplied, the message corresponding to the message control signalreceived in step (b).
 21. A label structure, comprising: a base paperincluding front and rear surfaces, at least one pre-printed informationregion toward the rear surface of the base paper, the printedinformation region comprising: an adhesive layer adjacent the rearsurface; an adhesive deadening layer overlaying the adhesive layer in adefined area; and printed information in at least portions of thedefined area.
 22. The label structure of claim 21 wherein the printedinformation overlays at least portions of the adhesive deadening layerand the layer of printed information comprises a scannable coupon barcode.
 23. The label structure of claim 22 wherein a scannable productbar code is positioned toward the front surface of the base paper at aposition spaced from but proximate to the scannable coupon bar code. 24.The label structure of claim 23 wherein at least a portion of theprinted information region is defined by a separation line formed in thebase paper.
 25. A roll of labels of the type specified in claim 23,wherein the roll includes a backing material having a release coating ona surface thereof, the rear surface of the labels applied to and facingthe backing material surface including the release coating.
 26. Alabeled package assembly, comprising: a package; a label adhesivelyattached to the package, the label including an outwardly facing frontsurface having a scannable product information bar code thereon and arear surface which faces inwardly toward an outer surface of thepackage, a portion of the label rear surface having a scannable couponinformation bar code thereon; wherein the scannable product informationbar code is positioned at a location spaced from but proximate to alocation of the scannable coupon information bar code; wherein theportion of the label rear surface including the scannable couponinformation bar code is defined by at least one separation line of thelabel and is removable from the package in a manner which leaves thescannable product information bar code remaining on the package.